Ex-Everton scout reveals what's really behind Thierno Barry's 'explosion'

Barry has scored 10 goals in 13 games this season after struggling for minutes following his £27m move from Villarreal, with an ex-scout crediting his consistency in finishing chances.

Thierno Barry is enjoying a breakthrough season at Everton, having already matched his entire first-season goal tally with 10 goals in just 13 games. The 24-year-old French striker struggled for consistent playing time after his £27 million transfer from Villarreal but has now established himself as the club's main striker under David Moyes.

Former Everton scout Bryan King attributes Barry's success to his ability to consistently get on the end of chances. Remarkably, Barry has produced 7.28 expected goals (xG) — the most of any player in the Premier League — despite Everton creating just 13.8 xG as a team this season, a figure lower than 12 other Premier League clubs.

By comparison, Manchester City have created 20.1 xG as a team, with Erling Haaland producing 7.1 xG.

"He does the things that all good strikers do. They explode and can create chances for themselves, but they're also there for the knock-ins," King told Football Insider. "Players have got more confidence at Everton, which is making more chances for the boy Barry."

Moyes had faced criticism last season for seemingly favouring Beto over Barry, but the manager now appears vindicated, with Barry thriving under increased responsibility.